Looking for 'Grammy-worthy' music teachers

Adrian Farris, music teacher at Monroe Elementary School in Janesville, was one of 217 quarter finalists for the Grammy Music Educator Award last year. Nominations are being accepted until March 31, 2014 for this year's winner. FIle photo by Terry Mayer

Know of a music teacher you'd like to see win a Grammy?

The Recording Academy and the Grammy Foundation are looking for teacher nominations for their second annual Music Educator Award.

The award recognizes educators (kindergarten through college, public and private schools) who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to maintaining music education in the schools.

Each year, one recipient will be selected from 10 finalists and will be recognized for his/her remarkable impact on students' lives. Last year's winner, Kent Knappenberger of New York, was flown to Los Angeles to accept the award and received a $10,000 honorarium. He and his family also attended the 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards ceremony, and a range of other events.

The nine finalists received a $1,000 honorarium, and the schools of all 10 finalists also received matching grants.

Adrian Farris, music teacher at Monroe Elementary School in Janesville, was one of 217 quarterfinalists for the Grammy Music Educator Award last year.

A total of nine music teachers from nine cities across seven states were finalists for the award in 2013. In total, more than 30,000 initial nominations were submitted from all 50 states.

The award is open to current U.S. music teachers. The application process will look at effective teaching styles and methods.

Check out GrammyMusicTeacher.com and nominate a music teacher by March 31. Anyone—students, parents, friends, colleagues, community members, school deans and administrators—can nominate a teacher. Teachers are also able to nominate themselves. Nominated teachers will be notified and invited to fill out an application.